Life-size bronze statue of Larkin planned for station branded 'philistine' (VOTE)
A Hull historian has branded plans to install a life-size bronze statue of Philip Larkin in Hull's Paragon station as "philistine and crass".
The proposed tribute to the late poet is due to go before planning councillors next week.
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Sculptor Martin Jennings with a scale model of the statue of Hull poet Philip Larkin which is planned to be erected in Paragon Station, Hull.
The Larkin Society, which is organising the current Larkin25 Festival in Hull, want to site the sculpture on the main station concourse.
But railway historian John Morfin has lodged an official objection to the application and plans to speak against the idea at next week's meeting.
He said: "Having a statue in this location is totally unnecessary.
"It fails to respect the character and ambience of this Grade II-star listed building .
"In particular, it will completely spoil the open aspect of the concourse.
"Having a fatuous, crass, philistine and unnecessary item like this will do nothing to enhance it at all."
Mr Morfin said a more suitable location for the statue would be in the grounds of the University of Hull where Larkin worked as the campus librarian.
"If his supporters in the Larkin Society insist on having a statue they should put in an application to place it at the university.
"I am not an avid reader or fan of Larkin but it seems to me that the university is a much more appropriate place for a statue.
"Adding clutter inside one of the most architecturally important railway buildings in the country is just not on."
Mr Morfin said he might have been in favour of a temporary statue in the station following the example set by the Larkin with Toads project.
"At least the toads are only with us for ten weeks whereas this statue could unfortunately become a permanent piece of clutter inside the station," he added.
In its submission to the committee, the society says the station concourse is a "fitting location" for the sculpture.
The design of the statue portrays Larkin rushing to catch a train, reflecting the opening line in one of his most famous poems Whitsun Weddings.
In a report for next week's meeting, council planning officers says: "The particular location has been chosen for its artistic significance, forming part of the story of the artwork and placing the artwork in its literary context.
"The sculpture would have minimal adverse impact on the historical and architectural significance of the listed building. It will do no harm to the heritage asset. Indeed, the artwork is likely to enhance the station rather than detract from it."
They are recommending approval.
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by pranger, Hull
Sunday, August 01 2010, 10:30PM
“Sorry to be pedantic but what exactly (and I mean exactly) is the evidence that Larkin was a fascist? Put up or shut up time. Had a father who admired efficiency of pre-war Germany; voted Conservative... doesn't exactly make him a fascist. Let's have some cold facts.”
by Rambling Sid, In a dark, dark place
Saturday, July 31 2010, 10:48AM
“When, one day, we are taken to task
By children yet to be born
For our stewardship of their past
Will they laud us or treat us with scorn?
Where are the walls and the gates
Of the proud medieval town
Some folk try to blame Hitler
But most our council pulled down.
What became of the Humber Ferries
Which once churned the water so brown
Unique in the world, of iconic design
Did no one save one for this town?
But we have left you a statue,
Thanks to those with loudest shout
Celebrating a fascist poet
Few Hull folk cared anything about.
We rant and we rave about vandals
Teenagers that don¿t give a hoot
But without all doubt, the worst of the breed
Is the old one who wears the grey suit.
Future children, for your inheritance
Squandered, wasted and spent
Its here that I hang my head in shame
Forgive me. I end my lament.”
by Joe, Selby
Friday, July 30 2010, 11:27PM
“As a son of Coventry, shouldn't any memorials to Larkin be erected in his home city? It seems to me that Hull has such a dearth of prominent people, anyone of any standing who even passes through the place is claimed by Hull as one of it's own. The Housemartins being a fine example. Werent most of them Southerners who happened to study at Hull University?”
by Mark P, West Hull
Friday, July 30 2010, 11:08PM
“Why Not? I mean its about time we started celebrating true talent from Hull, I'm not familular with Larkin's work but this current debacle surrounding the toads makes me want to pick up a book of his works. On the local talent subject, when do you ever hear the Mail/Local Media talking up Sir Tom,or Reece Shearsmith? They seem to be more interested in the talent trek finalists or reality TV entrants.”
by Rod, Hull
Friday, July 30 2010, 12:22PM
“My family moved to Hull in the 70s. Yes it was authentically 'Northern' then: full of hard-working trawlermen, honest folk with 'muck under their nails' etc. etc. etc. (why do some posters on here think that you're not truly a Hull man unless you sound off like Geoff Boycott?) But it was also - let's face it - a DUMP, a shell of a city still not recovered from the hammering it took in WWII. This is the city that Larkin knew, worked in and - despite a few grumbles - liked and chose to make his home for thirty years.
Forty years on there have been a whole raft of initiatives to clean the place up, celebrate the best of the city's spaces, and attract visitors and investment to the city. As a result large parts of our town look really smashing now. But every time anyone tries to do anything, up pop people like Morfin who want to encase everything in amber and keep it just the way it was. Why they would want to do that - apart from daft nostalgia or reasons of self-publicity - is completely beyond me.”